ds 10mo is cows milk protein intolerent, can I give him soya milk?

[dollysocks]

The problem was diagnosed at the end of December, and since ds has been on SMA Lactose Free formula. This has sorted out the vomiting and upset tummy problems.

He takes SMA well, I offer three bottles a day, so that I can be confident that he gets enough liquid and calcium.

Recently I have been using soya yogurts and custard to vary his pudding options a bit.

But because I've heard they might not be a good idea, I have asked my GP (and two others) for advice. I'm waiting for the third to get back to me. I have an appointment to see a dietician in May. In the meantime I have been trawling the internet - today the NHS and British Dietetic Association but I am still unsure whether is it is safe to give my son Alpro and other soya products? Or whether there is a sensible guideline amount for children at different ages.

My understanding is that they contain phytoeostrogens that mimic oestrogen which can cause problems with fertility.

All advice gratefully received.

[sonlypuppyfat]

I'm no expert but I've read about the hormone thing, best bet talk to your GP.

[KippyVonKipperson]

I asked my childs allergy consultant about this - research that showing a link between soya and male infertility - he said the study involved mice/rats who were fed nothing much except soya, but when they did studies on adult males who'd been given soya replacements since childhood there was absolutely no link. So he said it was fine to give soya, and it was the best alternative to dairy we have in terms of nutrients etc for children. I also checked this with a dietician and she agreed. There's a big difference between what could happen theoretically with lab rats given excessive amounts of soya, and the real world with human beings.

You should definitely ask your dietician etc, as its more reassuring hearing it for yourself. There are a lot of scare stories out there!

[dollysocks]

Thank you sonlypuppyfat and KippyVonKipperson, I think I'm going to carry on with a few soya puddings here and there. Then I'll follow up with the GP next week and the dietician in May.

[Superworm]

I'm pretty sure SMA lactose free has cows milk Proteins in. Are you sure it's these that are the problem ? People often get confused between the sugars (lactose) and the protein.

DS is allergic to cmp and soy. It's common to have problems with both as the protein structure is similar.